A fun middle grade mystery/adventure. This was actually a lot darker than I thought it would be! Serafina is a great character and I especially lovedA fun middle grade mystery/adventure. This was actually a lot darker than I thought it would be! Serafina is a great character and I especially loved her relationship with her father. We need more good child/dad relationships in kidlit! Great worldbuilding between the lavish Biltmore house, the dark forest, and spooky graveyard. The Southern storyteller voice was a nice touch.

I knocked a couple of stars just because the story turned out to be a little predictable for me and I didn't quite feel that the final climax was "earned", but the intended audience would probably enjoy it. A good pick for kids who are ready for a little blood and creepiness in their books (though it's nothing over the top). ...more

This is a book that reminded me of how wonderful middle grade can be. Willow is one of the best narrators of any age I've read for a while - strikingThis is a book that reminded me of how wonderful middle grade can be. Willow is one of the best narrators of any age I've read for a while - striking that perfect balance of letting us see into her world and showing us her personality at the same time. And her voice! She is brilliant and funny and makes you feel brilliant and funny just by reading her. I love that this book doesn't bend down to younger readers, but asks them to reach up a little bit to get to know Willow. My only complaints were perhaps that the ending was a bit predictable and that we never get a clear sense of what is at stake should Willow be thrown into the foster care system. But these were minor issues and there were a lot of lovely threads tied through at the end that made for sweet surprises. ...more